What type of cooling tower is better – FRP or concrete towers? Aslan Barazi weighs comparative merits

Though VRF systems often prove to be better than air-cooled chillers and traditional ducted splits, they have certain inherent limitations. Dharmesh Sawant demonstrates that connecting fresh air systems and VRF systems will yield greater benefits.

Lack of adequate and efficient ventilation systems with the right airflow rate is a health hazard. Good IAQ is an essential requirement of modern living, says Gaetan Pierrefeu.

Sustainable development is in danger of becoming a passing fad, with everyone in the industry wanting to pay lip service to it. Sougata Nandi argues that it needs to be financially profitable, environmentally responsible and socially sensitive, and demonstrates ways of integrating it in development projects.

Residential air conditioners in the GCC region pose energy challenges. A consumption-based cost-allocation billing system, achieved through cooperation between providers, developers and homeowners, could lead to energy savings, argues Hans Altmann.

It is possible to generate energy using waste heat and waste water and supplying it through large-scale heat pumps running on natural refrigerants. Here is an insight into how the environmentally friendly process has worked in a few major district heating and cooling projects.

With the increasing cost of electricity, solar cooling systems could be a more viable option, despite initial challenges, argues Muhammad Ali.

In the special supplement on the Qatar district cooling sector in CCME’s October issue, as an aside to the main story, we ran a sidebar titled: The cup that cheers. Here is an excerpt, with additional observations, now that Qatar has won the 2022 World Cup bid.

Editor Phil Ross of Climate Control News argues that sometimes, asking a different question might show the way forward than seeking answers.

A rigorous and regular scrutiny of change orders and the suppliers following a “gate check” procedure with their manufacturing facilities can ensure that orders arrive on site as per specification, argues Edward Eisermann.